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A team of Frostburg State University computer science faculty members led by Dr. Brad Rinard will partner with a Cumberland, Md.-based technology company, Berkeley Springs Instruments LLC (BSI), to develop the user interface for its oil pipeline monitoring system. The partnership is made possible thanks to a $135,912 grant Rinard received from the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program.

Rinard, who is chair of the Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies, will lead a team of fellow faculty members, Dr. Michael Flinn and Dr. Xinliang Zheng, and six FSU computer science students as they embark on the year-long project with BSI. The company’s Eagle Sentry Wireless Erosion-Corrosion Monitoring System uses ultrasonic sensors to monitor characteristics such as flow, humidity, temperature and vibration.

BSI has specialized in the creation of remotely controlled and robotic technology for over 30 years. The company develops a range of products and provides services that monitor mechanical integrity for the petroleum, chemical and utility industries.

The MIPS program, funded by the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute at the University of Maryland, jointly funds research and development projects between companies and University System of Maryland faculty. The projects help companies develop new products by grouping their researchers with expert university faculty and graduate students to solve technical challenges and develop processes and training materials. Since 1987, more than 400 Maryland companies have participated in the jointly funded projects to create technology products.

For more information, contact the Department of Computer Science and Information Technologies at 301-687-4364 or tburke@frostburg.edu.